How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Talk to your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They will not diagnose you immediately, but they will refer you to a medical assessment.
This will take place with a psychiatrist (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess your symptoms for ADHD. They can also help you get DSA and other reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing to do when you suspect that your child has a problem with ADHD is to consult your GP. They will be able to determine whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist when needed. It might be useful to take written notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history and any other mental health problems you or your family members suffered from in the past. You might be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you treatment options.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually need evidence that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment - this typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out other possible causes for your issues, like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in an assessment by a private doctor. There are many options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who don't understand the science behind ADHD. But perseverance is essential.
2. Request a recommendation
A diagnosis from a doctor is required in order to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They may also speak to other professionals who have known you, such as teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also investigate whether other health conditions like depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
After the evaluation Your Psychiatrist will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include medication which could be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP for shared care management.
If you do not want to take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help to manage your symptoms and improve your life abilities. Joining adhd diagnosed for people who suffer from ADHD can be helpful. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This could mean they have low self-esteem and can feel dissatisfied with their lack of success at work or with relationships. They may also feel that people don't get it and may become angry or resentful. There are many ways you can seek support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are many good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For many, getting an opinion from a different doctor is extremely beneficial. This is especially important if you have been misdiagnosed, or if you suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health issues and can offer an accurate understanding of what you're going through and how it is affecting your life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist thoroughly because it could affect whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this either by self-referral or an GP referral or make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-refer it's recommended that you gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you experience and how they impact various aspects of your life. You may also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough assessment of your symptoms. They will examine the way they impact your daily life and will look for co-morbidities, such as depression or anxiety. They typically employ questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to establish a diagnosis which they then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need like medication or psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It could also open the door to obtaining disability assistance like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments to school or college.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP is of the opinion that you could have ADHD and that it's impacting on your life and your family, they'll recommend a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves talking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records or to talk to anyone who knew you well as an infant. This is because it's not thought that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults, and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely have the choice of selecting one of the providers after being recommended. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to utilize it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able get an assessment through your university. If they're happy to do this, then the report should be enough to qualify for support through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medication, so you may think about obtaining a private diagnose instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest treatments such as medication or other. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you may have. Then, they'll make a choice about what to do next and send you back to your GP with a plan. In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to think about the possibility of medication and a referral back to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS, lack understanding of how the condition presents in adults. They could also be biased towards a diagnosis, or simply not consider the symptoms serious. It is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence pays off.
You'll need to go through a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you're experiencing symptoms and why you believe they could be related to ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been recurring for an extended period of time and are having an impact on your life. This may include getting old school records or asking family to fill out forms regarding your struggles in the past.
After your assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. Typically, this will require a shared-care agreement with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this method, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a complete evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.